SCIENCE 1SA1
Science Seminar Course
Students will attend six research seminars or colloquia offered by any department or school in the Faculty of Science. Attendance must take place during 1 academic year. Students must submit to the Faculty of Science Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) a 500-word written reflection following each seminar. Advanced schedule of seminars/colloquia will be circulated to all students who subscribe to the OUR email distribution list.
SCIENCE 1SB1
Science Research Volunteer
Currently, the following projects are available to undergraduate science students:
- 1SB1 offered by Dr. Patricia Chow-Fraser
- 1SB1 offered by Dr. Susan Dudley (see Greenhouse Volunteer tab)
- 1SB1 offered by Dr. Jim Ghoshdastidar (see ChemClub Mentor or Chemical Science Outreach Ambassador tab)
- 1SB1 offered by Dr. Elizabeth Weretilnyk
Molecular Biology Workshop Volunteer
Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Weretilnyk, Department of Biology (weretil@mcmaster.ca)
Enrolment Capacity: 20 students
Term/Format: Up to 5 hours per workshop over fall to spring terms
Research Discipline: Molecular Biology
Rationale: Molecular Biology Workshops have been run at McMaster for 15 years and have been an effective recruitment tool for first year students. This established workshop is highly valued by high school teachers and to run them we already recruit and manage volunteers who get valuable outreach and research experience. The 1SB1 course will give volunteers a course credit and will provide us with a reliable workforce with an incentive to make their hours.
Proposed Training
20 undergraduate volunteers are being recruited for each term to assist in mentoring high school students in the Molecular Biology Workshops that are run annually by the Department of Biology for high schools in the region.
Workshops are scheduled near the end of the fall term (late November to mid-December) and again in the spring from late March to the end of May. Each workshop is about 5 hours with a start time between 9 and 10 am. Volunteers can usually book and adjust their time to meet class or other commitments.
Volunteers will review and practice lab techniques: pipetting, preparing DNA for PCR, loading gels and using a scanning spectrophotometer. Volunteers will demonstrate these skills to visiting students, correcting improper techniques and explaining protocol steps used in genotyping. A training session is provided to introduce or refresh skills
Location of Course
BSB 218
Learning Outcomes/Science Career Competences
- Students intending to follow a research path will benefit from the practical skills and team-based interactions between workshop organizers and other volunteers.
- Students contemplating Teacher’s College will find value from direct interactions with high school students and their teachers.
- Volunteers will learn how to communicate scientific concepts in simple terms, help problem solve failed outcomes, and find opportunities to lead structured activities if interested
How Successful Learning Outcomes Be Determined
- Students will be observed by Biology instructors to ensure their techniques are correct.
Required Components for Passing Grade
- Completion of orientation/training (2-3 hours) and being present at a minimum of 15 hours of workshops/preparation for workshops during the term.
Additional Notes
- The workshops are given to high school students who lack familiarity with scientific instruments and occasionally have less than an ideal background in genetics. Patience and a good attitude are strengths to bring to this experential high school activity.
Enrolment in or credit in Biology 1A03 and required safety training.
Students who are unable to work at an assigned workshop will be able to work at other workshops or participate in preparing for workshops
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application online.
Surveying potential vernal pools in forests of southern Ontario to assist conservation of breeding habitat for Jefferson Salamanders
Instructor: Dr. Patricia Chow-Fraser, Department of Biology (chowfras@mcmaster.ca)
Dates: Estimated start date is October 2025 – November 2025
Enrolment Capacity: 4 students
Research Discipline: Conservation Biology
Rationale: This course offers students a chance to assist a senior undergraduate and graduate student to survey forest fragments for presence of vernal pools. This will give students an opportunity to experience research-level field work and would be recommended for those interested in pursuing research in Conservation Biology.
Proposed Training
Students will assist with field sampling which will take place in the fall (most likely October and November). Depending on the students’ schedules, we will arrange trips throughout the week and during weekends. The field trips will consist of verifying that locations identified as being vernal pools in a GIS model are actually vernal pools. This may require students to hike through fields and forest fragments for up to half an hour to access study sites. They will also be trained to take standardized observations of site conditions. All traiining will be provided. Students must enjoy working outdoors, and be prepared to work through rainy conditions. Time permitting, students may also be trained to enter data into GIS
Location of Training
Forests within 1-2 hours drive from McMaster
Learning Outcomes/Science Career Competences
- Competence in conducting field work, assessing site conditions and learning diagnostic features of vernal pools.
- Science career competencies include critical thinking, communication, problem solving, discovery, collaboration and teamwork and testing the student’s adaptability and flexibility in navigating field conditions.
How Successful Learning Outcomes Be Determined
- The student will be observed to see how they collect pertinent field data to confirm the presence of vernal pools in forest fragments.
- Through in-class discussions, the professor will assess how much students have learned about the importance of vernal pools as breeding habitat for the endangered Jefferson Salamander.
Required Components for Passing Grade
- Attend 3-4 field trips totalling 18 hours, complete the written reflection and submit it to Avenue to obtain a passing grade.
Additional Notes
- Each volunteer will need to participate in 3-4 trips throughout the term (16-18 hours).
- Transportation to and from McMaster will be provided.
- Preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in ecology or conservation biology.
Enrolment in or completion of the Life Science or Environmental Science gateway program. No prior knowledge of vernal pools or endangered species is required.
Students who cannot attend assigned field trips will volunteer in the Chow-Fraser Lab for an equivalent amount of time missed at any point during the fall term.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application online.
Collection and analysis of water samples for nutrients and pollutants to assist with the West Campus restoration project
Instructor: Dr. Patricia Chow-Fraser, Department of Biology (chowfras@mcmaster.ca) and Jeysa Bronkhorst-Ilavsky (Senior Thesis Student)
Dates: Fall – Winter 2025 *This course is a full year
Enrolment Capacity: 8 students
Research Discipline: Aquatic Ecology
Rationale: Water-quality testing is carried out routinely by governments and citizen groups to track changes in the health of aquatic ecosystems such as creeks, wetlands and lakes. This workshop will introduce students to current tests used to track the presence of water pollutants such as fecal bacteria and primary nutrients. This workshop will appeal to students interested in participating in current research on the West Campus restoration project.
Proposed Training
Students may assist a senior undergraduate student to collect water samples at 9 long-term stations in the Coldwater Creek watershed or process samples following the field trips. The duration of field trips and lab processing will take approximately 3 hours each. Students may also assist in processing preserved samples. Water-quality tests include nutrient analyses and fecal bacteria. Students will also be trained to handle specialized equipment in the field and in the laboratory setting.
Location of Training
Coldwater Creek Watershed
Learning Outcomes/Science Career Competences
- Competence in using laboratory equipment, collecting water samples in the field, analyzing data and drawing conclusions.
- Science career competencies include critical thinking, communication, problem solving, discovery, collaboration and teamwork and testing the student’s adaptability and flexibility in navigating field conditions.
How Successful Learning Outcomes Be Determined
- Students will be observed by the instructor and senior thesis student to ensure the water tests have been carrried out correctly and that students are using the equipment and instruments properly in the field and/or in the lab.
- Through interactions in the lab and field, students will be assessed on their knowledge of land-use impacts on water quality in streams.
Required Components for Passing Grade
- Attend field trips or laboratory sessions they signed up for and follow instructions when carrying out field and laboratory procedures.
- Students must also submit a written reflection to Avenue to obtain the passing grade.
Enrolment in or completion of the Life Science or Environmental Science gateway program. No prior knowledge of water-quality testing is required.
During the fall and winter, there will be many opportunities for students to make up for any field trips or lab sessions that they missed for medical or compassionate reasons.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application online.
McMaster Biology Greenhouse Volunteer
Instructor: Dr. Susan Dudley, Department of Biology (sdudley@mcmaster.ca)
Dates: Fall 2025
Enrolment Capacity: 20 students
Research Discipline: Plant Biology
Proposed Training
Training starts after the first two weeks after start of term, and will continue until the end of the term. Volunteers will be trained to take care of plants in the greenhouse, which will include trimming, planting, transplanting, propagating, fertilizing, watering, and weeding. As required, students may also need to treat plants that have been infected with either fungus or insects by removing bugs by hand. Other activities include cleaning and washing pots. Twice a year, there is a sale of plants propagated by volunteers, with the proceeds used to increase the collection and to pay for biocontrol of plant pests. Volunteers will be trained to give tours of the greenhouse to visitors.
Location of Training
Biology Greenhouse
Required Health and Safety Training on Mosaic which includes WHMIS 2015, Violence and Harassment Prevent AND FIre Safety, Ergonomics OR SAFE training. Students should enroll in these courses and complete the tests on Avenue.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application online.
Chem Club Mentor
SCIENCE 1SB1 Science Research Volunteer – Chem Club Mentor
ChemClub Mentor
Instructor: Dr. Jim Ghoshdastidar, Department of Chemistry (ghoshda@mcmaster.ca)
Dates: Winter 2026
Enrolment Capacity: 10 students
Research Discipline: Science Outreach
Rationale: ChemClub is a twice-weekly series of social and academic events that supports first year Science and Engineering students by facilitating connections between students, mentors and the university. Mentors will strengthen their leadership, communication and support skills under the mentorship of Faculty in the Department of Chemistry. We encourage upper year students in any Faculty to apply but especially Level 2 students who are looking to build their experiences.
Proposed Training
ChemClub events begin in the 2nd week of the semester and continue until the 12th week. Events are generally held twice a week but with greater frequency in September when the need for meaningful connection is greatest. ChemClub mentors will be scheduled for 6 – 8 events over the course of the semester, which they will have the opportunity to both propose and select. ChemClub Mentors play a vital role in the success of the program.
Their responsibilities include:
- Assisting in the organization and execution of events.
- Engaging in conversations with participants to build rapport and provide support.
- Tracking attendance to ensure accurate records.
- Helping with the setup and takedown of event materials.
Through building community and promoting social connection, we hope to enhance the sense of belonging and disciplinary identity among our students and mentors, and build teamwork, support, and leadership skills in our mentors.
Format is 8 – 10 one hour events (Tuesdays and Fridays at 11:30 am)
Location of Training
AN Bourns Science Building Room 142 (Thode Room)
Learning Outcomes/Science Career Competences
- Foster peer-to-peer engagement by listening actively and effectively communicating in one-on-one and group settings.
- Plan, organize, promote and execute engaging events with a small team.
- Provide support; set personal goals for mentorship and reflect on experiences.
- The Science Career Competencies that students will strengthen through this program include: Collaboration, Teamwork & Interpersonal Relationships, Communication, Adaptability & Flexibility, Motivation, Perseverance and Resilience, Building Brighter Lives and Discovery.
How Successful Learning Outcomes Be Determined
- ChemClub Mentors will be expected to support first year Science and Engineering students as they participate in the program and work with fellow ChemClub Mentors to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Mentors will log their reflections in a ChemClub Journal on the same day as each event based on a reflective prompt.
- At the end of their mentorship, Mentors will prepare a ChemClub Event Proposal to serve as inspiration for future events.
Required Components for Passing Grade
- ChemClub Mentors are expected to attend their previously-selected shifts, support students as they participate in the activity.
- Mentors should be focussed on building connection with the first year students who attend and fostering connection between those attendees.
- Mentors will email Professor Ghoshdastidar their personal reflections following each event, and prepare a novel ChemClub Event Proposal at the end of the term based on a template provided.
Registration in a Level 2 Program.
Students should reach out to Professor Ghoshdastidar if they are unable to attend ChemClub events for personal or academic reasons or if need additional time for their ChemClub Journal Reflection or ChemClub Event Proposal.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application online.
Chemical Science Outreach Ambassador
SCIENCE 1SB1 Science Research Volunteer – Chemical Science Outreach Ambassador
Chemical Science Outreach Ambassador
Instructor: Dr. Jim Ghoshdastidar, Department of Chemistry (ghoshda@mcmaster.ca)
Dates: Winter 2026
Enrolment Capacity: 10 students
Research Discipline: Science Outreach
Rationale: Chemistry and Chemical Biology runs and participates in programming that promotes the Chemical Sciences to first-year and prospective students as well as the general public. Chemical Science Outreach Ambassadors will gain hands-on experience with running chemical demonstrations for the general public, or supporting high school students as they conduct a university lab experiment or visit our core facilities.
Proposed Training
Outreach Ambassadors participating in the Magic of Molecules Show or the High School Outreach Experiment will receive training in delivering demonstrations or supporting high school students through experiments or during core facilities tours, the week of the outreach activity. Chemistry and Chemical Biology Faculty, Staff or Graduate Students will be present as the activities are running.
Students will gain public speaking experience to large groups of students and families, deliver hands-on chemistry lab experiences, led groups to activities at Faculty of Science Core Facilities, shadow experienced faculty and graduate student outreach educators, and share their own experiences as a Student in the Chemical Sciences at McMaster University.
Outreach events are ongoing throughout the year and may include the following:
- Magic of Molecules – In-Person Show (January/February TBA)
- Chemistry, Chemical Biology and Sustainable Chemistry Info Night – Mid March
- BASEF Science and Engineering Fair – Thursday March 12
- High School Outreach Experiments – April 20 – 24 Morning and Afternoons
Students will obtain 20 hours over the academic calendar year.
Location of Training
AN Bourns Science Building Room 156 (General Chemistry Laboratories)
Learning Outcomes/Science Career Competences
- Communicate complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
- Demonstrate leadership and teamwork in executing outreach events
- Reflect and communicate their experience as a Chemistry and Science student in university.
- The Science Career Competencies that students will strengthen through this program include: Collaboration, Teamwork & Interpersonal Relationships, Communication, Adaptability & Flexibility, Building Brighter Lives and Discovery.
How Successful Learning Outcomes Be Determined
- Chemical Science Outreach Ambassadors are expected to attend outreach activities that have been mutually agreed upon, be approachable, visible and engaged with outreach participants, and prepared to fulfill their role effectively.
- Outreach Ambassadors will log their reflections in a Outreach Ambassador Journal on the same day as each outreach event based on a reflective prompt.
Required Components for Passing Grade
- Outreach Ambassadors are expected to attend their previously-selected shifts, support students and groups as they participate in the activity. Ambassadors needing to miss an assigned activity must do so as far in advance as possible, but no less than 24 hrs.
- Ambassadors will email Professor Ghoshdastidar their personal reflections following each event.
Registration in a Level 2 Chemistry, Chemical Biology or Sustainable Chemistry Program and above.
Required Health and Safety Training on Mosaic which includes WHMIS 2015, Violence and Harassment Prevent AND FIre Safety, Ergonomics OR SAFE training. Students should enroll in these courses and complete the tests on Avenue.
Students should reach out to Professor Ghoshdastidar if they are unable to attend an Outreach events for personal or academic reasons, at least 24 hours in advance of the activity, or if need additional time for their Outreach Journal Reflection.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application online.
Greenhouse Volunteer
SCIENCE 1SB1 Science Research Volunteer – McMaster Biology Greenhouse Volunteer
McMaster Biology Greenhouse Volunteer
Instructor: Dr. Susan Dudley, Department of Biology (sdudley@mcmaster.ca)
Dates: Fall 2025
Enrolment Capacity: 20 students
Research Discipline: Plant Biology
Proposed Training
Training starts after the first two weeks after start of term, and will continue until the end of the term. Volunteers will be trained to take care of plants in the greenhouse, which will include trimming, planting, transplanting, propagating, fertilizing, watering, and weeding. As required, students may also need to treat plants that have been infected with either fungus or insects by removing bugs by hand. Other activities include cleaning and washing pots. Twice a year, there is a sale of plants propagated by volunteers, with the proceeds used to increase the collection and to pay for biocontrol of plant pests. Volunteers will be trained to give tours of the greenhouse to visitors.
Location of Training
Biology Greenhouse
Required Health and Safety Training on Mosaic which includes WHMIS 2015, Violence and Harassment Prevent AND FIre Safety, Ergonomics OR SAFE training. Students should enroll in these courses and complete the tests on Avenue.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SB1 application online.
SCIENCE 1SC1
Graduate Student Shadowing
This course allows undergraduates in Level 1 Gateway programs to be mentored by a graduate student for 12 hours in the fall, winter or intersession. Students must provide a short written reflection to the Faculty of Science Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) following the shadowing.
Enrolment Capacity: 30 students
Expandable List
1 unit course open to students within the Faculty of Science and with the permission of the Director, Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), or designate. Pass/Fail.
Enrolment Capacity: 30 students
What to expect?
- Requirement of 12 hours in the fall, winter or intersession.
- Students must provide a short written reflection to the Faculty of Science Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) following the shadowing.
Pairing between graduate student mentor and undergraduate mentees will be coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in a Faculty of Science program. Permission of the Director, Office of Undergraduate Research, or designate. Pairing between graduate student mentor and undergraduate mentees will be coordinated by the Office of UndergraduateResearch.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 1SC1 application online.
Read about Monica’s experience with Natassja in the 2025 Graduate Shadowing Program:
In Monica’s words……….
“Before this experience, research lived in journal articles and lectures for me. It was interesting, but distant. The Graduate Student Shadowing Program turned it into something tangible, dynamic, and surprisingly personal.
What surprised me most wasn’t the advanced technologies or complex methods, (though witnessing sequence analysis through cluster computing and ancient DNA preservation strategies was incredible). It was the life behind the science. The constant problem-solving. The trial-and-error. The unfiltered thinking that happens when a researcher is faced with a challenge that has no clear answer. I saw first-hand how research is less about having all the answers and more about being bold enough to ask the right questions, even when you don’t know where they’ll lead.
This experience didn’t just teach me about methylation analysis or epigenetics. It gave me insight into the rhythm of a researcher’s thought flow. The balance between big-picture thinking and small, precise tasks. Watching my mentor, Natassja Brien, navigate this world with such focus and creativity was eye-opening. She didn’t just teach me about her work, she taught me how to think like a problem solver.
The mentorship itself went beyond science. Our conversations touched on life, grad school, and carving your own path. That human connection, built around shared curiosity and respect, is something I’ll carry forward. It reminded me that behind every lab door is a person with a story and a passion that drives their work.
I left every session feeling more inspired, not just academically, but personally. I started thinking differently in my classes, asking more questions in my clubs, and exploring new areas of science I hadn’t considered before. Research no longer feels like something far off in my future. It feels like something I’m already a part of.
I’m grateful to the Office of Undergraduate Research for creating a space where undergraduates like me can feel seen, supported, and challenged. The shadowing program isn’t just about exposure to research, it’s about connection, empowerment, and seeing yourself as capable of contributing to something bigger.
Personally, I believe programs like this are what make McMaster stand out. They show that it’s not too early to get involved, to learn deeply, to dream big. Because once you’ve seen what research really looks like (beyond the graphs and papers) you realize it’s not some far-off goal. It’s a mindset. A way of looking at the world. And thanks to this experience, I’ll never look at it the same way again.”
SCIENCE 2SA1
Skills Workshop in Water Quality Testing
Instructor: Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser and Kelton Adderley-Heron, Ph.D candidate, Department of Biology (chowfras@mcmaster.ca)
Location: Life Sciences Building lab Room 104
Dates: September 13th to October 30th
Enrolment Capacity: 10-15 students
Research Discipline: Aquatic Ecology
Course Rationale: Water-quality testing is carried out routinely by governments and citizen groups to track changes in the health of aquatic ecosystems such as creeks, wetlands and lakes. This workshop will introduce students to current tests used to track the presence of water pollutants such as fecal bacteria and primary nutrients. This workshop will appeal to students interested in participating in current research on the West Campus restoration project.
Open to all undergraduate science students!
Expandable List
Proposed Training
On Saturday, September 13th, 2025, students will meet at 9:30 in LSB 213A. There will be a brief lecture lasting ~1.5 hours (9:30am-11:00am), during which students will learn about common pollutants and their sources in aquatic ecosystems. They will also learn about the type of sampling equipment used to collect samples in various water bodies. We will then proceed to our field sites by car. At the field sites (~11:45 pm to 2:00 pm), students will collect water samples from local creeks using proper protocols and return samples to McMaster University where we will use the Tecta B16 to analyze samples for presence of fecal bacteria. Time permitting, we will also carry out one set of nutrient analysis. Results will be posted on Avenue, and students will learn how to use a manual to create a GIS map to illustrate differences among streams. We will hold in-person tutorials to help students use QGIS during week of Sep 29-Oct 3, 2025. During October 27-30, 2025, a final 3-h class will be held to analyze results and draw some conclusions about the health of streams in the watershed (it might be held 5:30-8:30 to accommodate students with labs).
Learning Outcomes and Science Career Competencies
- Competence in using laboratory equipment, collecting water samples in the field, analyzing data and drawing conclusions.
- Science career competencies include critical thinking, communication, problem solving, discovery, collaboration and teamwork and testing the student’s adaptability and flexibility in navigating field conditions.
How Successful Learning Outcomes are Determined
- Students will be observed by the instructor and thesis/graduate students to ensure the water tests have been carried out correctly and that students are using the equipment and instruments properly in the field and in the lab.
- We will review the QGIS maps created by students to ensure they have imported data into QGIS properly.
- During the in-person class, the instructor will assess if students have made appropriate interpretations and explanation of results. Their submitted reflection will be read to glean how much students have learned during the course.
Required Components for Passing Grade
Attend the field trip on Day 1. Participate actively in all laboratory and field activities, and attend the last class during which we will graph and analyze the data. Students must also submit a written reflection to Avenue to obtain the passing grade.
Biology 1M03, EARTHSCI 1G03 or ENVIRSC 1C03.
Students must complete required safety training prior to attending the workshop.
Students who miss any session will volunteer in the Chow-Fraser lab for an equivalent amount of time missed.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 2SA1 application online.
SCIENCE 2SF1
Digital Skills Workshop
Host: Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser (chowfras@mcmaster.ca) with Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship
Location: McMaster Central Campus
Dates: Fall 2025/Winter 2026
Enrolment Capacity: First come first served basis
Research Discipline: Digital Scholarship
Course Rationale: Digital scholarship facilitates new modes of research and is interdisciplinary, drawing on a range of expertise and experience from across the University. Digital scholarship includes new sources of evidence (i.e. social media data, biometric data, sensor data), new approaches to research (i.e. database development, sentiment analysis, 3D printing), and new research outputs (i.e. podcasts, interactive narratives, digital exhibits, code and data repositories).
Open to all undergraduate science students!
SCIENCE 2SG1
Scientific Research Group
Currently, the following projects are available to undergraduate Level II & III students in the Faculty of Science:
- 2SG1 offered by Dr. Dr. Emily Choy
Identifying and Sorting Terrestrial Invertebrates to Quantify PFAS Concentrations in the Food Web of Songbirds in Southern Ontario
Instructor: Dr. Emily Choy, Department of Biology (choye1@mcmaster.ca)
Dates: September 2025 – December 2025
Enrolment Capacity: 5 students
Research Discipline: Ecology
Proposed Training
From September to December, applicants will assist graduate students Danielle MacNeil and Sasha Cognigni in IDing and sorting terrestrial invertebrates (mainly insects) collected from multiple sites across southern Ontario, helping to characterize PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) throughout the food web of Tree Swallow songbirds nesting in those areas. Students will first learn how to identify invertebrates down to taxonomic order using prepared ID guides and iNaturalist software. In the following weeks, students will sort invertebrates by sight or by using a dissecting microscope. No prior experience or training is required – all necessary information and equipment will be provided on-site.
Location of Training
McMaster Campus; Life Science Building (LSB)
Additional Notes
- All work will be completed on-campus in a lab setting. No off-campus travel is required.
Completion of Biology 2F03 or equivalent is preferred. Students with career interests in environmental science, avian conservation biology, entomology, or ecotoxicology will be an asset.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 2SG1 application form online.
Identifying and Sorting Terrestrial Invertebrates to Quantify PFAS Concentrations in the Food Web of European Starlings in Southern Ontario
Instructor: Dr. Emily Choy, Department of Biology (choye1@mcmaster.ca)
Dates: September 2025 – December 2025
Enrolment Capacity: 5 students
Research Discipline: Ecology
Proposed Training
From September to December, applicants will assist graduate student Julianna Colafranceschi in IDing and sorting terrestrial invertebrates (mainly insects) collected from multiple sites across southern Ontario, helping to characterize per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) throughout the food web of songbirds nesting in those areas. Students will first learn how to identify invertebrates down to taxonomic order using prepared ID guides and iNaturalist software. In the following weeks, students will sort invertebrates by sight or by using a dissecting microscope. No prior experience or training is required – all necessary information and equipment will be provided on-site.
Location of Training
McMaster Campus; Life Science Building (LSB)
Additional Notes
- All work will be completed on-campus in a lab setting. No off-campus travel is required.
Completion of Biology 2F03 or equivalent is preferred. Students with career interests in environmental science, avian conservation biology, entomology, or ecotoxicology will be an asset.
To apply for this course, please fill out the following SCIENCE 2SG1 application form online.
SCIENCE 2SC1
LIVELab Research Methods – Multi-Person Electrophysiology Collection
Instructor: Dr. Dan Bosnyak, Dr. John Iversen, and Hany Tawfik, Department of Psychology, Neurology, and Behaviour – McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind (livelab@mcmaster.ca)
Location: Psychology Building, LIVELab – PC202A
Dates: Winter 2026
Enrolment Capacity: 5-15 students
Research Discipline: Psychology & Neuroscience
Course Rationale:We are looking to target prospective and current PNB undergraduate students with interests to develop skills relevant to electrophysiology research. Students will learn how to use these systems to collect data with the aim of rolling these skills into a project course (2QQ/3QQ) or senior thesis that will use the LIVELab research platform or another lab conducting electrophysiology research.
Open to all undergraduate science students!